Today on KSR: Pro Football Hall of Fame Ceremony Takes Place

Ed Reed, Tony Gonzalez, and Others Inducted Into Pro Football Hall of Fame

The Pro Football Hall of Fame officially has eight new members. After more than six months of waiting, the Class of 2019 was inducted on Saturday in a ceremony that lasted nearly five hours. This year’s class was voted into the Hall back in February, but they weren’t enshrined until they took the stage late Saturday night at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio.

Most notably among this year’s class were defensive back Ed Reed and tight end Tony Gonzalez. Reed’s excellent play for the Baltimore Ravens earned him nine Pro Bowl selections in his career. Gonzalez, on the other hand, is widely regarded as the best tight end in league history after shattering several records at the position.

Defensive backs Johnny Robinson, Ty Law, and Champ Bailey joined Reed in being inducted as well. The 2019 class also included former Cowboys vice president of personnel Gil Brandt, former Broncos owner Pat Bowlen, and offensive lineman Kevin Mawae.

The major highlights from the night included two of the longest speeches in the ceremony’s history. Gonzalez set the new record for longest speech as he talked for almost 37 minutes while Reed’s 36 minute speech came as a close second.

Reed’s and Bailey’s speeches earned the most online reaction Saturday night. Reed humorously thanked his two barbers (yes, he has two) as he also brought awareness to several important social issues such as mental health and gun violence. Bailey passionately spoke about issues such as racism and hatred. The 12-time pro bowler’s speech also took some subtle shots at the Washington Redskins.

This powerful message from @ChampBailey: "Please listen."#PFHOF19 pic.twitter.com/37eV6bpbGN

— NFL (@NFL) August 4, 2019

"Stay encouraged. Encourage each other. Help somebody."

You need to hear @TwentyER's powerful final message. #PFHOF19 pic.twitter.com/Sz2fNq8iF5

— NFL (@NFL) August 4, 2019

Ben Roethlisberger Has High Praise for Benny Snell

In a media opportunity Saturday afternoon, Pittsburgh Steeler quarterback Ben Roethlisberger sang praises of rookie running back Benny Snell, saying that he’s catching just about everything he is being thrown out of the backfield, as reported by KSR’s own Jack Pilgrim.

“I always try to throw bad balls to guys to just see what they can do,” Roethlisberger said. “And I threw him a lot of bad balls, and he seems to catch every single one of them. So pleasantly surprised with him in the passing game.”

After a big day at practice, the former Kentucky star made sure to make another new young Benny Snell fan, signing an infant onesie.

Start 'em young 👶@benny_snell pic.twitter.com/5wv5lsFbdB

— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) August 3, 2019

Snell will take the field for the first time this Friday, when his Pittsburgh Steelers take on Mike Edwards and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at 7:30 p.m. ET on the NFL Network. Be sure to tune in!

Kentucky Football Holds Open Scrimmage at Fan Day 2019

The Wildcats held an open scrimmage yesterday during Fan Day 2019, and it’s very safe to say that Big Blue Nation turned out very well for this year’s event. You people are crazy.

This is the line just to get into the open scrimmage at UK Fan Day 2019 pic.twitter.com/jBq6UNPj3Q

— Jack Pilgrim (@JackPilgrimKSR) August 3, 2019

KSR’s very own Nick Roush was in attendance as he had several takeaways from UK’s second official practice of the 2019 season. To no surprise, wide receiver Lynn Bowden looked very strong on Saturday as he found himself open regularly. This was great news for Bowden as a scout from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers was in attendance watching him.

Get ready folks. Football season is knocking on the door, and Bowden is about to have a huge season. In the meantime, here is a little throwback on this Sunday morning to remind us all of just good he is.

HE. COULD. GO. ALL. THE. WAY.@UKFootball's Lynn Bowden goes 58 yards on the punt return TD! pic.twitter.com/ANzsiAsA5M

— SEC Network (@SECNetwork) January 1, 2019

Baker Mayfield Enjoys a Beverage in Premium Seating at an Indians Game 

"I just don’t like the idea of my franchise quarterback spending time at a baseball game. I mean, what are you doing, @bakermayfield? You don’t see guys like Aaron Rodgers shotgunning beers. Just not a good look. Go watch some film." – @ColinCowherd (probably)

Legend. https://t.co/IUCW1Kp4s3

— Cleveland Guardians (@CleGuardians) August 4, 2019

Wow, would you look at that? Someone drinking alcohol in premium seating is actively adding to the overall atmosphere at a sporting event. Who would have thought? It would be a shame if Mitch Barnhart saw this considering that he thinks rich people drinking alcohol doesn’t add to the family environment at UK games.

In all seriousness, Mayfield pumping up the crowd was the viral sports moment of the night on Saturday. The Indians went on a huge run afterward and never looked back as they won the game. This season may just be Mayfield’s second in Cleveland, but he is quickly becoming one of the most likable athletes not only in the city, but in the rest of the country as well.